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A dream on two wheels: a tour to the Museum ‘Officine Benelli’

This crazy season has been unusually warm, and on a sunny day I’ve realised my beautiful region is great to be explored on two wheels! An idea that I had never actually considered before. And now, I can’t just stop recommending it! Especially, after takingpart in a bike tour of 154km to the “Catria Mount area”, inland of Le Marche.

The “Giro del Catria” motorcycle tour by Officine Benelli

At first I was hesitant, because I was a bit afraid. Then, I decided to accept my friends’ invitation and spend some time together in an different way. It turned out to be so much fun! We left behind the beautful city of Pesaro (north of Le Marche), and rode towards the areas of towns like: Mondavio, Frontone up to the Catria Mount.

Panoramic view of the Catria Mount

Mile after mile of stunning vistas, I was thrilled and enchanted: the beauty of pure nature and the Renaissance atmosphere of the ancient villages made this tour a unique experience.

The beautiful fortress in MondavioPhoto Credit: Adriano Gamberini

And I must confess, I can’t wait to be back to taly to take part in one of the other tours offered by ‘Officine Benelli’: an organization that works to keep alive the culture and passion for the historical Italian motorcycles brand ‘Benelli’.

The lion: the historical logo of the Benelli motorcycles

The headquarters ‘Officine Benelli’ is located in Pesaro, in one of the old factory where the Benelli models were made.

Old photo of the Benelli headquarter. The original factory is now housing the Museum called “Officine Benelli”

The place is now housing a museum open to the public and strongly desired by two local motorcycle clubs that have invested time, money and even some bikes from their personal collections into this renovated facility. In this emotional location the extraordinary story of the Benelli motorcycle house is told…

A pic from the inside of the museum

…Six brothers, one story. Six men for a legend become reality. It was the spring of 1911 when Teresa Benelli, widowed, invested all the capital of her family to establish a workshop and ensure a stable job for her six sons: Giuseppe, Giovanni, Filippo, Francesco, Domenico e Antonio “Tonino” Benelli.

The six Benelli brothers

At the beginning it was only a service garage, where some spare parts for cars and motorcycles were also made. But the six Benelli brothers had a much higher ambition: building motorcycles. In December 1921 the first real Benelli motorcycle appeared: the “Velomotore”, 98cc two stroke lightweight bike presented in two models: Touring and Sport (125cc). This was followed in 1923 by a 147 cc version, with which Tonino Benelli started to win the victories which will make the company of Pesaro renown throughout Europe.

Old picture of a race with Tonino Benelli riding his motorcycle

Renzo Pasolini, an Italian champion riding a Benelli motorcycle in a race

Over the years Benelli produced many high-performance motorbikes and different models: scooters, sport, cross, touring and even mini-motorcycles, as you can see walking through the three rooms of the museum.The exhibition is beautiful and well-thought, able to engage visitors. Passion and affection in wanting to preserve the history of the brand is evident.

Then the amazing stories of riders like Tonino Benelli and most recently Valentino Rossi, the first and the last of a generation of racers who have thousands of passionate fans and who contribute to increase a pleasant visit to the motorcycle world in a town rich in history.

So, if you happen to be in Pesaro, do not miss to visit ‘Officine Benelli’: a legendary excellence of our territory that will make you feel to saddle up right away!

I’ve been through this area – except on a bicycle. I recognized it only because of San Marino which we also cycled into.
We were based out of Riccione and had the most amazing time. I think I would have liked your version of being on motorcycle though – those mountain climbs were brutal 😉
Were you already experienced on a motorcycle?

Ciao Joanne!
San Marino is beautiful! And Riccione is just so close to Le Marche. A short drive south and you’ll get there.
I love riding bikes: that’s another perfect way to explore new places as well as a great workout!
The motorcycle tour was pretty long: it almost took the whole day (from morning to late afternoon, with some stops on our way).
I really enjoyed doing it. But I have to say, I was just on the back of the motorcycle, cause my friend was riding it.
As I said, I was a bit hesitant, but then if you trust the person who rides the bike, you can handle it.
We were in a group with other riders, and some of them were from the Officine Benelli touring club.
Really well organised and definitely so much worth it!!!
Thanks for stopping by! Isa:-)

Thanks Debra! You’re always supporting me: I’m really grateful for that!
This is a beautiful way to see many places that you will hardly visit in a day. Because with a motorcycle you are able to ride while enjoying spectacular landscapes. The experience was really worth it! XoXo, Isa